Our Work

Agriculture and Food Security

In addition to long standing efforts in improving agriculture and food security, USAID has a multi-sectoral program to increase the resilience of chronically vulnerable populations in eight provinces across Burkina Faso’s share of the Sahel. The program aims to diversify communities’ and households’ economic opportunities while increasing profitability of their current farming practices. It will also assist in creating stronger institutions for these populations to manage natural resources, and to reduce conflict and disaster risk.

Democracy, Human Rights and Governance

USAID works with youth, religious leaders, civil society and local governments to reduce the risk of instability and increase resilience to violent extremism. Using a holistic, community-led approach, USAID builds economic opportunities, promotes moderate voices, fosters civic participation and promotes government responsiveness. The target population in Burkina Faso is women and youth who are often marginalized from the political process and are more prone to being recruited by violent extremist organizations.

Global Health

Despite some progress, the very high level of poverty in Burkina Faso contributes to a dire health situation. Malnutrition and malaria are widespread, and many citizens have little or no access to basic health care or clean drinking water. USAID works to expand access to these basic necessities. We also work with partner countries to invest in health systems and promote innovation.

Water and Sanitation

USAID programs in Burkina Faso are providing rural residents with better access to potable water, hygiene and sanitation and helping them prepare for the effects of climate change, as well as enhancing incomes and food security through improved water management.

Working in Crises and Conflict

Among the Sahelian countries, only Burkina Faso is projected to experience a reduction in the number of food-insecure and malnourished individuals in 2014. The U.N. estimates that 1.3 million people may face food insecurity in Burkina Faso, a drop from 1.8 million in 2013.

The decrease is attributed to efforts by the Government of Burkina Faso, with complementary support from humanitarian actors. However, malnutrition prevalence remains high in rural areas, according to the U.N. As of May 2014, Burkina Faso continued to host more than 34,000 Malian refugees, the majority of whom reside in food-insecure northern regions, where already-scarce host community resources are strained by the presence of additional families.

USAID is working to improve food security and nutrition among vulnerable households, as well as address the drivers of violent extremism in Burkina Faso with an emphasis on young people.